Tag: breck eisner

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER – The Review

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Boring and predictable, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER is dreadful fantasy which will probably reach the upper echelons of countless ‘worst of’ lists come the end of the year. THE LAST WITCH HUNTER opens in the middle ages, where squadrons of Viking/warriors are battling witches who have unleashed the Black Death upon mankind. Valiant hero Kaulder (Vin Diesel with cool scraggly beard), defeats the all-powerful big-cheese Witch Queen (Julie Engelbrecht), annihilating her minions in the process. But before she dies, she places the curse of immortality on Kaulder, denying him an afterlife reunion with his dead wife and daughter. Jump ahead to contemporary New York City (played by Boston) where a clean-shaven Kaulder is hunting witches for a secret organization called ‘The Axe and Cross’, getting his orders from ‘Dolan the 36th’ (Michael Caine). After the 36th is murdered and replaced by the squirrely 37th (Elijah Wood), Kaulder teams up with young good-witch-turned-Manhattan-witch-bar-owner Chloe (Rose Leslie ) to battle Queen Witch who has returned for an epic showdown with Kaulder and to destroy mankind (or something like that) in the process.

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER often feels like the kind of film that would work better with even less plot – if they’d simply outlined the story as “we got to stop that witch” and then just rattled through the action sequences as quickly as possible. Director Breck Eisner tries to use special effects to cover up the film’s many weaknesses, but even on that point he fails badly. There’s a flaming tree/bone monster (lots of fire in this movie – Vin’s sword is often on fire!) called ‘The Sentinel’ that drags bad witches into a sort of ‘witch prison’ limbo that wouldn’t scare a 6-year old. There’s a massive swarm of flies to threaten Manhattan in a climax that that ends before it begins, and there’s Vin Deisel wielding that flaming broadsword for several bloodless PG-13 battles.

Not that I expect much range from Mr. Diesel but in THE LAST WITCH HUNTER he lacks the charisma and presence he delivers in the Fast and Furious franchise, standing around looking glum mumbling lines like “I know I’ve killed every one of you. I’ve done the math!” This kind of film needs a good villain to liven up the lame material – someone to vamp and camp it up, but Julie Engelbrecht as the evil queen is simply a bland mix of make-up, CGI and augmented vocals. Michael Caine phones in his extended cameo, while both Elijah Wood and Rose Leslie look like they want to fire their agents. My expectations for THE LAST WITCH HUNTER were pretty low, but not this low. Maybe some over-the-top cheesiness, or deadpan moments, or self-awareness, or fun would have helped but THE LAST WITCHUNTER takes itself way too seriously and the result is dismal. When fantasy film fans gather in generations to come, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER will be remembered as one of the immortal low points of the genre.

1 of 5 Stars

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Vin Diesel Has An Awakening In THE LAST WITCH HUNTER Trailer

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Here’s a first look at the brand new trailer for THE LAST WITCH HUNTER starring Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Julie Engelbrecht, and Michael Caine.

This latest preview features a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black,” recorded by Ciara exclusively for the movie.

“I am honored to have been asked to cover such an iconic song by one of music’s greatest bands, the Rolling Stones, for the film. “Paint It Black” matches the film’s mystical and suspenseful plot perfectly. The film and song have the magical recipe that combines romanticism with a touch of black! I cannot wait to see and hear the film and the song on the big screen with the rest of the world” – Ciara

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER is coming to New York Comic-Con. Join Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie and director Breck Eisner, in the Main Hall on October 10, 2015 at 3:15pm for a Q&A and a sneak peek at the film before it hits theaters October 23.

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including Kaulder, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful Queen Witch, decimating her followers in the process.

In the moments right before her death, the Queen curses Kaulder with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today Kaulder is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones.

However, unbeknownst to Kaulder, the Queen Witch is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.

Directed by Breck Eisner, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER opens in theaters on October 23rd.

http://www.thelastwitchhunter.movie/
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The WITCHES REVEALED web app has also just launched. Using facial recognition to automatically apply a variety of witch effects to pics, fans will be able to reveal their “true witch self,” made ugly by magic-fueled long life or beautiful by mixing potions for smoother skin, makeup, piercings, tattoos and more. Users can login to the web app via mobile or desktop by visiting http://www.witchesrevealed.com.

Explore the mysterious inside world of THE LAST WITCH HUNTER by visiting The Witches Brood – an online publication that encompasses witch culture and welcomes all fans hoping to experience the life of a real witch. With an opportunity to register as a witch, this resource includes in-world editorial, fashion photography, important news surrounding the lifestyle of witches, and potion recipes pulled straight from the film.

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Two New Comic-Con Posters and New Site Come Online For THE LAST WITCH HUNTER

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Excitement for 2015’s San Diego Comic-Con is firing up, and Lionsgate has unveiled two brand new posters from THE LAST WITCH HUNTER to help fuel the feverish anticipation.

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Starring the iconic Vin Diesel, along with Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Julie Engelbrecht, and Michael Caine, this adrenaline pumping fantasy film follows Kaulder (Diesel) as his secret order – The Axe & Cross – leads the intense battle against the most horrifying witches in history.

AxeAndCross.com explores the mythic history of the organization, spanning Kaulder’s 800 years of hunting witches.

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including KAULDER, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful QUEEN WITCH, decimating her followers in the process.

In the moments right before her death, the QUEEN curses KAULDER with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today KAULDER is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. However, unbeknownst to KAULDER, the QUEEN WITCH is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race. 

Directed by Breck Eisner, catch THE LAST WITCH HUNTER in theaters on OCTOBER 23,2015

Visit the film’s official site: http://www.thelastwitchhunter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LastWitchHunter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LastWitchHunter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lastwitchhunter
Hashtag: #LastWitchHunter #AxeAndCross

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Watch Vin Diesel In THE LAST WITCH HUNTER Trailer

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The last witch hunter (Vin Diesel) is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history in this awesome new trailer for Lionsgate’s upcoming film, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER.

The action adventure film stars Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Julie Engelbrecht, and Michael Caine.

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world.

Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including KAULDER, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful QUEEN WITCH, decimating her followers in the process.

In the moments right before her death, the QUEEN curses KAULDER with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today KAULDER is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones.

However, unbeknownst to KAULDER, the QUEEN WITCH is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER opens this fall on October 23rd.

Visit the film’s official site: http://www.thelastwitchhunter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LastWitchHunter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LastWitchHunter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lastwitchhunter
Hashtag: #LastWitchHunter #AxeAndCross

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Relativity Taps Breck Eisner To Helm STRETCH ARMSTRONG; Targeted for April 11, 2014 Release

Relativity Media has closed a deal with Breck Eisner (The Crazies, Sahara) to direct its upcoming live-action film based on Stretch Armstrong, it was announced today by Relativity’s President, Tucker Tooley. Relativity partnered with global branded play company Hasbro, Inc. to develop and produce the film which is targeted for an April 11, 2014 release date. Relativity will be the domestic distributor and will release the film internationally through its network of foreign output partners.

Eisner, known for directing the remake of George A. Romero’s horror movie The Crazies, will helm the film based on the script written by Dean Georgaris (Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, The Manchurian Candidate). The film will be produced by Relativity’s CEO, Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter), Hasbro’s CEO Brian Goldner (Transformers) and Bennett Schneir, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Motion Pictures (Battleship). Tooley (Immortals) will serve as executive producer.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to create a world that is both fresh and exhilarating,” said Eisner. “What really excites me is the chance to build a hero from the ground up.”

“We were delighted by Breck and Dean’s innovative and creative concept for bringing this character to life.  Their unique vision for creating the mythology for this story paired with their experience gives us the confidence that they are the perfect team to bring Stretch Armstrong to the big screen,” said Tooley, President, Relativity.

This original story will be a gritty actioner introducing the character of Lucas Armstrong and the life-or-death consequences he will face after undergoing a transformation granting him superhuman abilities.

Eisner was represented by CAA, Management 360 and attorney Karl Austen of Jackoway Tyerman in his deal.

Looking ahead, the studio will release the edge-of-your seat thriller House at the End of the Street (in theatres September 21, 2012) and the hilarious comedy 21 and Over (in theatres March 15, 2013). Relativity is currently in post-production on Scott Cooper’s gritty dramatic thriller currently-titled Out of the Furnace and is in production on the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling Safe Haven (in theatres February 8, 2013).

Breck Eisner on the Upswing with ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK Remake

New Line Cinema’s job in getting an ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK remake of the ground and into theaters has been an up and down struggle for some time now.  Now, it appears, the studio is going with someone who has a little bit of recent luck in the remake department.  Hollywood Insider is reporting THE CRAZIES’ director, Breck Eisner, is in negotiations to take the helm.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Eisner definitely has the job, nor does it mean we’re going to be seeing an ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK remake in theaters in the very near future.  With the way directors come and go on projects these days, Eisner could be onto something entirely different by the time you finish reading this article.

However, it does raise some interesting questions about the new film.  Not that it means a whole lot, but Eisner has previously worked with Matthew McConaughey on SAHARA and Timothy Olyphant on THE CRAZIES.  While many would groan at the former sporting the Snake Plissken eyepatch, putting Olyphant in the role might not be the worst decision known to man.  Until recently, Gerard Butler was attached in the role, so, whoever ends up starring in the film actually has more than just Kurt Russell’s shoes to fill.

What is your choice?  Is Breck Eisner a good pick to take on the remake of a John Carpenter classic?  Who should take on the role of Snake Plissken in the upcoming film?  Let us know by shooting us a comment below.

GBC Interview Segments: Breck Eisner (Director of THE CRAZIES)

In this edition of The Golden Briefcase Interview Segments, Jeremy had the pleasure of talking to the director of The Crazies, Breck Eisner. Let’s listen now as Jeremy speaks to Breck about the making of the picture, and what he has coming in future projects!

THE CRAZIES is in theaters now! Check it out!

Review: THE CRAZIES

Serving as no big surprise for avid fans of the horror genre, Breck Eisner’s new film THE CRAZIES is actually a remake of the 1973 horror film by legendary filmmaker George Romero. No, despite the obvious, THE CRAZIES is NOT a zombie flick. Why? Simply put, nobody returns from the dead… therefore, no zombies! Romero’s original was, with all due respect, one of a short list of films not about or containing zombies.

Breck Eisner last made SAHARA (2005) was… tolerable. However, his remake of THE CRAZIES appears to be the beginning of a new trend for him, as he’s already attached to future remakes of FLASH GORDON and David Cronenberg’s THE BROOD. I have to admit, after seeing THE CRAZIES, I’m not so sure this is such a bad thing.

Eisner has somehow managed to capture the perfect combination of fun and fright, that wonderful concoction of cinematic chemistry that made the genre films of the late 70’s and early 80’s such cult classics to this day. That’s not to say this film is perfect, but it does go a long way with fans of the genre and will likely please general audiences as well.

Right from the beginning, Eisner sets up the mood of THE CRAZIES with a shot of small town American in flaming ruins, followed by an immediate rewind back to the day it all started. Johnny Cash serenades us as we meet the small Iowa farm town of Ogden Marsh. Everything appears normal, until one of the townsfolk interrupts a high school baseball game, resulting in a tragic event that causes panic in the rural community.

Things rapidly grow out of control as more and more of these bizarre occurrences happen. Sheriff David Dutton, played by Timothy Olyphant (DEADWOOD, HITMAN), doesn’t waste much time putting the pieces together and works to put a stop to the spreading chaos, but finds he is too little too late as the town becomes quarantined by aggressive military personnel.

Coincidentally, the soldiers ordered to shoot with extreme prejudice are the least of Sheriff Dutton’s worries, as he struggles to protect his pregnant wife Judy (Radha Mitchell) from a town full of infected, psychotic killing machines. Olyphant is great. While he does tend to be cast in similarly typecast roles, he always brings a certain flair and intensity to his performances that make him exhilarating to watch. His touch for intensity adds to the decently suspenseful nature of THE CRAZIES.

Equally notable as a positive influence on THE CRAZY is Deputy Russell Clank, played by Joe Anderson (THE RUINS, AMELIA). At once the slightly Barney Fife[ish] sidekick and loyal partner, he also serves as a thrilling side story that gradually transforms into an obstacle for the main character.

Filled with moments of startling jumps and scares, THE CRAZIES melds the darker comedic element of a good horror flick with solid dialog appropriate for the story without feeling absurd or over-the-top. The special effects are respectfully kept within the bounds of realism, effective and creepy but not overdone.

Granted, THE CRAZIES lacks a few key elements of opportunity, such as original, creative storytelling or much character development at all. Despite the frequent conveniences and little predictabilities in the story’s progression, the movie still manages to satisfy on the more primal levels. It’s an admirably accomplished good time and a film worth the box office price tag.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Director Shuffle On Some Horror Remakes

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Oh, these pesky, horror remakes and the people who have to direct them.  For some time, Breck Eisner (SAHARA) was attached to direct the long-gestating CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON remake.  He then moved on, instead taking on the upcoming remake of Romero’s THE CRAZIES.  Now, according to the LA Times, Carl Rinsch, the man who is set to direct 47 RONIN, is taking on the CREATURE project.

Eisner, meanwhile, has just been tapped to direct the remake of David Cronenberg’s 1979 film, THE BROOD.  The film, with the new screenplay being written by PRIEST screenwriter Cory Goodman, centers on a woman who has a telepathic link to her murderous children.

What do you think of these choices?  Are these films worth remaking at all?  Are these the right choices for director on each?  What would have been your thoughts had Peter Jackson ever gotten his vision of CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON off the ground?  Let us know by shooting us a comment in the section below.

‘The Crazies’ Scares Up a Teaser Poster

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Not really sure how this one is going to play out.   The original, George Romero film, in my opinion, is a hidden gem.   Breck Eisner isn’t exactly the second coming of horror directors.   It’s hard to get the taste of ‘Sahara’ out of our mouths, but his entry into the “Fear Itself” anthology, “The Sacrifice,” was atmospheric and offered a few scares.   That’s saying alot for that show.   You also can’t really go on the Olyphant factor, who always gives decent performances but his hit-and-miss record for good movies is pretty much down the line.

This new poster courtesy of Shock Till You Drop doesn’t really do much service to the film.   It’s not your typical, Photoshop job of actors’ heads over a black background, so, for that, it gets points.   On the other hand, there really isn’t much in terms of the style of the film that can be garnered from it.

We’ll all find out on February 26th, 2010 when ‘The Crazies’ comes out.